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Previously…on Survivor

I will never forget watching the very first episode of Survivor over thirteen years ago. My husband and I had just moved to a new place, and pretty much all that was set up in our living room was the sofa and our TV. We tuned in to watch some crazy premise about a bunch of strangers living on an island together, and before the premier episode started, I remember thinking, “Well, I can’t believe we have reached a point where this is actually acceptable programming for network television. Have we hit a new low?”

ON THE CUSP, people. I am ON THE CUSP of television trends. Clearly.

But then I watched the first episode, and I was hooked almost instantly. It was strange and uncomfortable and intriguing and sometimes even a little disturbing. But make no mistake: it was riveting.

Since then I’ve watched Survivor faithfully. Well, I should qualify that. I missed a couple of seasons when I was a new mama and valued sleep more than TV. But for the most part, I’ve been a loyal viewer for Jeff Probst and the gang. I’ve watched Michael run into the water because his hands were burning, I’ve rooted for Colby, I’ve been endlessly entertained by Boston Rob (my all-time favorite player), and I’ve cheered for Sandra, whose social game might just be better than anyone who has ever played. I’ve marveled at Stephanie’s physical strength, I’ve loathed Russell, and I’ve applauded Tina’s abundance of good, old-fashioned common sense (by the way, last week I was so sad to read the heartbreaking news that Tina’s son was killed in a car accident). I’ve silently begged James to play an immunity idol, and I’ve wondered what in the world Erik was thinking when he gave his immunity idol away. I’ve even quoted Phillip Sheppard a time or two.

There have been times when a certain player’s arrogance made watching almost painful (I won’t name names, but if you’ve read this far, I’m betting you could probably make a list on your own), but that’s sort of the brilliance of Survivor. It’s a microcosm of real life, and there are some personalities that you have to tolerate even if you don’t necessarily like them. You also have to keep your eye on the big picture no matter what – because the minutiae of the day-to-day will make you flat-out crazy. And like real life, there are consequences if you don’t play nice (just ask Russell, who is a brilliant strategist but too ruthless in the game for his own good).

Every season of Survivor seems to have an interesting twist, and this time around it’s been that that veteran players started the season with one of their family members or significant others. It’s been fascinating to see how Survivor: Blood vs. Water has played out, because those relational / familial loyalties have changed how people play the game (just ask Ruben – he probably has some thoughts about that). Alliances forged among players run deep, but in most cases real-life loyalties run deeper. It’s been fascinating to watch.

Last week I told my husband that Survivor: Blood vs. Water has turned out to be one of my favorite seasons yet. Here are a few reasons why.

SPOILERS AHEAD, MY FRIENDS.

SPOILERS THAT WILL SPOIL THINGS

SPOILERS

SPOILERS

SPOILERS

All righty. The reasons.

Family ties – The family connections have created such an interesting dynamic. Some people have had grudges against Monica because of how they feel about her husband, Brad. In the Redemption Island challenge in the last episode, Tina felt miserably conflicted because her victory meant that her daughter Katie was out of the game. Lots of Ciera’s hope hinges on the fact that her mother, who’s on Redemption Island, could still come back in the game – which would mean they’re the only two relatives left. That may or not be significant.

Hayden & Ciera – Sweet mercy. Those two have turned Tribal Councils UPSIDE DOWN the last two weeks, and it has made for some mighty fine television. They’ve made big moves, and they have said all the right things with absolutely perfect timing. It’s a totally different game than it was two weeks ago, and they’re the reason why.

Jeff Probst – He is so good at shining some light on what’s going on without manipulating the outcome. This season he’s been especially strong at Tribal Councils, I think; he always makes sure to ask questions about how things look on the surface, but more importantly, he digs way down into the subtext. He’s become a pretty good counselor over the years, and he makes navigating the minefield of conflicts and blindsides look effortless. He’s a keeper.

Tyson – Honestly, the way that Tyson has played the game has totally bugged me. He’s been openly lazy and greedy at times, and he’s been so confident about his place in the game that he’s bragged about all the work that he’s not doing. That being said, he has played a smart game. Players only recently seemed to realize that he’s been calling most of the shots, and make no mistake: he has been a master manipulator. Pride may be his undoing, though.

The season finale is this Sunday night, and I can’t wait to see what happens. Have y’all enjoyed this season? And do any of you have a favorite player – or a prediction about who will take home the $1,000,000?

BooMama

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http://www.SincerelyStacie.com Stacie Gorkow @SincerelyStacie

HUGE Survivor Geek here! I live where Denise, previous winner, lives and am dying to run into her at Target! Anyway, this season has been awesome. Every week I am dying to talk about it and when I try to bring it into casual conversation I get those looks and questions like, “That show is still on?” REALLY? Do you live under a rock??? Anyway, I’m super excited for Sunday. I can’t wait to see who comes back into the game. I hoping for Hayden just so he can ruffle Tyson’s feathers a bit. But, the idol will keep him in the game. Anyway, so glad to see someone else willing to share their love of the game!

Cindy B

Glad to know it is someone’s guilty pleasure too!

http://marshabray.com Marsha

I’m totally with you! My husband and I have only missed one season since the beginning. Tina is one of my all time favorite players but Monica is right in there too! I love these strong, athletic, older women! They rock! (But any season with Rupert is also a good one!)

Mary E S

Yes, I am a faithful Survivor follower. Would I ever want to be a contestant? No way, but I would watch it forever.

Sarah C. - Ohio

Well it’s nice to know I’m not the only one…Survivor usually is the highlight of my week. My husband and I send the kids upstairs early (after all it wouldn’t be a guilty pleasure if the kids could participate) and we watch every second and spend the next half hour strategizing about possible outcomes and moves. We have never missed an episode – through births and deaths, sickness and health, (thank goodness for dvr) it’s like our weekly date night.

As to this seasons winner – Tyson is definitely in the drivers seat. I don’t particularly like him, but he’s got everyone right where he wants them and he has an idol. He MUST at all cost protect Gervase and Monica without them he can’t win. With those three in the final, Tyson gets 90% of the vote (G gets 0% and M gets 10%). They’ve all played the same game – Tyson’s game. If by some miraculous twist Tyson ends up without those two, he looses. The jury is already stacked in favor of Ciera, Hayden, Laura, or Tina. Gervase can not win, Monica missed her chance to win this week.

I’ve already set my DVR for Sunday night, to me it’s bigger than the Super bowl. I won’t be missing a second.

Lynne E.

I’m a loyal Survivor fan myself and agree this season has been a very good one. I’m looking forward to Sunday and hoping Hayden will be able to come back and knock Tyson off that pedestal he’s put himself on.

traci

I want tyson to go! I hope that Laura m comes back and her and ciera make final 2 with monica, because I think they will win!

http://preceptcamden.com paddlemama

Love this comment and totally agree with your perspective on the game. But wouldn’t it be awesome for Ciera or Hayden to win? I’d love it. Yep, Monica’s need to be needed and liked overcame her this week and her ship sailed. Not that I wanted her to win anyway…

http://www.elizabeth-michelle.com Elizabeth

I have LOVED this season. There’s something about the Blood vs. Water theme that has added a lot of life to the show. I was really into it when it first premiered (I was in 9th grade!) and Australian Outback was my favorite season. Seeing some of my old favorites again has been great. At this point, I want it to be ANYONE but Tyson.

I was doing some googling and just saw that Tina’s son was killed in a car accident in early December😦 I’m sure things are going to be very emotional Sunday night.

Clare

I have bell choir practice on Wednesday and I’m breaking all kinds of speeding laws to get home before 8:00! (I know DVR or Charter on Demand!) We got into Survivor in probably the 10th season. This season has been a good one. Good challenges and not a lot of really mean bickering. I wish Tina would get back in and win the game. My favorite player this season though has been Colton’s partner. I was glad to see Colton go – too much drama, but his partner played a good clean game.

GB Jost

I went to HS with Jeff…so funny to see him on tv!

gb

Leslie H

Amen, and ditto!

Glenda

Perhaps it’s because I am reading this blog via a post I found on the Pioneer Woman’s website but don’t you think Ree Drummond would make a great contestant on survivor? She lives on a ranch, homeschools 4 children, is an old hand at networking, and is also a great cook. What other qualities does a Survivor Winner need?!!

http://www.myloveforwords.com Emily @ My Love for Words

Boston Rob is my all time favorite player too! He was amazing on his last season with the way he controlled everyone. Okay, I have to know… what would you want to be your Stealth R Us name?!🙂

Leslie H

Oh, please, please let this happen! I really loved it when Ciera finally flipped. That was a very entertaining Tribal. So was last night’s. Tyson’s face was classic! I wish they had flushed out the idol again, though.

Leslie H

Great season. Truly one of the best! I love watching, and I sure hope it continues for many more years! I managed to get my BFF in Texas (I live in Tulsa) to watch after several seasons. Now we watch and text during commercials. Then email our thoughts and strategies the next day. Just one more thing we have in common. I am always surprised that everyone does not love it as much as I do!

paula

At this point, I am for Ciera all the way….since Hayden got voted out last night. Boo for Monica for not standing up for herself. I hate it when they just go along with the others like sheep.

christienne

Do you believe me yet when I say we are TV sisters? I could have written THIS POST! Right from the 13 years ago me and my husband moved to a new place… same story! I feel the same all the way thru!

Boston Rob! In my opinion best player of all time!!

MalloryT

My family LOVES Survivor too!! We’ve watched every season together, and I agree that this season offers an exciting new twist with some great players!! Personally I am rooting for Tyson to win, mainly because I feel he is the only player to play with strategy and purpose. I was so happy when he found the hidden immunity idol TWICE! Can’t wait to tune into the finale on Sunday!

Carrie M

Apparently I’m in the minority here, but I LOVE Tyson! My kids and I watch the show weekly and we all think he is hilarious. Can’t wait for Sunday night!

dobes

I think Ciera has been brilliant the last few weeks. She’s new to the game and found her power late, but I hope she comes back for another season!

I was disgusted with Monica last night. Ciera tells her that Tyson (who I deplore, he’s so arrogant and sleazy!) called her his lap dog, and she STILL votes with him? The men on Survivor routinely recruit women to do their bidding and then drop them at the last in favor of their buddies, and the women STILL go along with this.

The players I’ve most admired were Parvati for her strategy and Rupert for his sweet personality.

dobes

But last night Monica, KNOWING that Tyson called her his “lap dog” continued to vote with him! She may be physically strong, but in my opinion that proved she is a mental wimp.

I am a Survivor fanatic and was just talking to my husband this morning about trying to get on the show myself. I LOVE the nonchalant arrogance and humor Tyson has brought this season. I also love the Ciera & Laura M dynamic and how resilient both those women are. Here are my predictions for the finale: Laura M gets back in the game at the final redemption challenge, sending Hayden and Tina to the jury. Monica will win the final immunity challenge as they are historically endurance challenges and she will be very hard to beat if that’s the case. Tyson will play the hidden immunity idol at tribal, thus Tyson will be next on the jury. Leaving the final four Tyson, Ciera, Laura M, and Monica.

I believe the winner of Survivor: Blood vs. Water will be Ciera.

Marcie C

I meant to say that after Tyson plays the idol, Gervase will go to the jury. Whoops -typo!